Prep Your Home for Winter Weather

Cold weather in Terre Haute can really propel your utility bills to high levels. The good news is there’s plenty you can do to prep your home for winter and possibly save some money.

• Clean window sills and moving parts. Sand, dirt, leaves and other debris can get stuck in window sills and budging parts of windows or doors —and this can cause closing problems. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to establish a snugger seal and improve window and door functionality.
  
  
• Examine weather stripping. Unfastened weather stripping can let cold air in and impact your home’s environment. Be sure to re-attach or change any unfastened weather stripping around windows and doors.
  
  
• Examine the caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Extreme weather in the Terre Haute area and fierce sunlight can create openings in caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Refer with a local professional to establish if fresh caulk or sealant needs to be put on your windows and doors.
  
  
• Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Fractured or deteriorated wood on the roof or near the foundation may permit cold air to escape into your home. Confer with a professional to help correct any roof problems around your home.
  
  
• Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of defense from intense weather and also help decrease air leakage. If you have storm doors, but they’re not operating properly, it may be time for replacement doors.
  
  
• Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have out-dated windows or doors or they have single-pane glass, you are probably paying too much to heat your home. Fresh doors and windows with energy efficient, double, or triple pane glass made with shielding argon can help save money all year. Windows with snap-in, between-the-glass blinds or shades can also help cloister your home from bitter outdoor temperatures. 
  
  

Want more information about winterizing your windows and doors or about new windows or replacement doors? Call the team at Pella Windows and Doors at 812-234-0729 or stop by our showroom in Terre Haute.